Bollywood's 'Jubilee Girl' Asha Parekh turns 70

Oct 02, 2012 10:50am

Asha Parekh who started her Bollywood journey as a child artist with the film 'Aasmaan' (1952), turns 70 today.
Thanks to her series of successful films like 'Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai', 'Gharana', 'Shikar' and 'Aan Milo Sajna' , Asha Parekh was called the Jubilee Girl in Bollywood.
Asha Parekh was born in a Gujarati family in Bangalore in 1942.
At a very early age, her mother enrolled her into classical dance classes. No wonder, she wooed everybody with her amazing dance performances.
After Bimal Roy saw her during a stage performance at the age of twelve, he signed Asha Parekh for his film 'Baap Beti' in 1954.
She was disappointed with the failure of the film. After trying her luck as a child actor with few more films, Asha decided to take a break and concentrate on studies.
At 16, she decided to come back to Bollywood. Writer-director Nasir Hussain signed her for 'Dil Deke Dekho ' opposite Shammi Kapoor.
Her association with Nasir Hussain worked wonders for her career.
After 'Dil Deke Dekho', Hussain casted her in his six more films which includes 'Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai', 'Teesri Manzil', 'Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon' and others.
In the initial phase of her career, Asha Parekh was more popular for her glamorous image and dancing abilities.
It was director Raj Khosla who changed her image and established her as a serious actress. Asha Parekh was simply amazing in 'Do Badan', 'Chirag' and 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki'.
In 1970, Asha Parekh worked with Shakti Samanta in two films 'Pagla Kahin Ka' and 'Kati Patang'.
She also won the Filmfare award for best actress for her film 'Kati Patang'.
From Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna to Dharmendra, Asha Parekh worked with all popular yesteryear actors.
Not many know that at the peak of her career Asha Parekh also did some Gujrati films like 'Akhand Saubhagyavati '.
Asha Parekh also starred in a few Punjabi films as well with Dharmendra and Dara Singh.
Thanks to her long list of successful films and her glamorous image, Asha Parekh was counted among the top actresses of 1960s and 1970s.
Asha Parekh also did a few supporting roles in films. In 1995, Asha decided to quit acting.
Asha Parekh is the first woman who was appointed as the chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification.
We wish a very happy birthday to Asha Parekh.